AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) – The Auburn Tigers beat No. 12 Missouri 88-82 on Tuesday night. Sharife Cooper carried the Tigers, contributing 28 points to the team's effort.
“I knew it was going to be a challenge. I love big games. it was super fun,” Cooper said after the game.
The Tigers held the game in their possession the entire first half, until Missouri came back in the second for a close game which lasted all the way to the finish.
Sharife Cooper led the Auburn Tigers in rebounds and assists. He also broke the Auburn record for free throws.
“He is the alpha dog. He is the biggest little man out there. Everyone knows that and he expects to win and to make plays and if he doesn’t, he takes full responsibility for it,” head coach Bruce Pearl said of Cooper.
For Missouri, Jeremiah Tilmon led with rebounds, and Xavier Pinson led with assists.
Missouri is the highest ranked team the Auburn Tigers have defeated in the regular season since 2019.
“A team we couldn’t beat last year, and we played a very well, very experienced team," Pearl said. "The bench did a great job out-scoring and out-playing them which was great.”
Freshman JT Thor proved to be a player to look out for in coming matchups. The 6’10 freshman had 5 blocks and 12 points in the night's competition.
“JT is confident, and he should be confident because he works so hard, he prepares," Pearl said.
"He obviously has to get bigger, stronger and more physical. But he is not afraid of the moment and I think his teammates have confidence in him and that’s a real positive sign.”
The Auburn Tigers (10-7, 4-5) move on to play at No. 2 Baylor Saturday. Tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m. CT on ESPN.
